Welcome to our complete and ultimate guide on how to throw a vintage themed party. This is a great party for pretty much any occasion including the likes of a birthday party. Here, in this ultimate guide, we look at everything you will need including party decorations, party food, games, music, and other party supplies.
How to Throw a Vintage Themed Party – The Ultimate Guide
What is a Vintage Themed Party
A vintage-themed party is a celebration fueled by nostalgia, where you step back in time and immerse yourself in the fashion, music, decor, and atmosphere of a past era. It’s a creative and fun way to celebrate any occasion, from birthdays and anniversaries to themed social gatherings.
Vintage Themed Party Decorations
When you throw a vintage themed party creating the correct setting involves incorporating elements from different eras to evoke a sense of nostalgia and charm. Here are some vintage themed party decoration ideas to set the stage for an elegant and timeless celebration:
Vintage Fabrics:
Use lace tablecloths, doilies, and vintage-inspired fabrics to add a touch of elegance to tables and seating areas.
Mismatched China and Glassware:
Opt for mismatched vintage china plates, teacups, and glassware. The eclectic mix adds a charming and whimsical feel to the table settings.
Antique Furniture:
Incorporate antique or vintage furniture pieces like side tables, chairs, or cabinets to enhance the overall ambiance.
Old-Fashioned Signage:
Create vintage-style signage with elegant fonts and classic color schemes to guide guests or highlight different areas of the party.
Vintage Frames:
Display black-and-white photos or event details in vintage frames. Arrange them on tables or create a dedicated photo display area.
Bunting and Pennants:
Hang vintage-inspired bunting or pennant banners across the party space. Choose muted tones or pastel colors for an authentic vintage look.
Candles in Vintage Holders:
Use candle holders with a vintage design. Candelabras, antique lanterns, or crystal candlesticks can add a romantic and nostalgic touch.
Gramophone or Record Player:
Place a vintage gramophone or record player as a decorative focal point. Consider playing music from different eras for an authentic atmosphere.
Vintage Suitcases:
Stack vintage suitcases to create unique side tables or decorative displays. They add a sense of wanderlust and history to the party.
Old Books and Maps:
Decorate tables with stacks of old books or maps. Vintage atlases and travel-themed books contribute to the overall aesthetic.
Retro Posters and Artwork:
Display retro posters or vintage-inspired artwork that complements the theme. Choose pieces reminiscent of different decades.
Classic Vinyl Records:
Scatter classic vinyl records on tables or use them as placemats. Consider framing vintage album covers as wall decorations.
Chalkboard Signs:
Use chalkboard signs with elegant script to display the menu or special messages. This adds a touch of vintage charm.
Vintage Tableware and Silverware:
Choose antique or vintage-inspired tableware, such as silver-plated flatware, to enhance the dining experience.
Tin Signs and Marquees:
Hang tin signs or marquees with retro designs. They can showcase witty phrases or highlight different areas of the party space.
Rustic Wooden Crates:
Arrange rustic wooden crates to create height variations and display items. Use them for holding flowers, favors, or other decorative elements.
Old-Fashioned Lamps:
Incorporate vintage lamps with warm, ambient lighting. Desk lamps, floor lamps, or pendant lights can enhance the nostalgic feel.
Feather Boas and Hats:
Place feather boas or vintage hats in designated areas for guests to wear and add a playful touch to the party.
Vintage Themed Party Food
When you throw a vintage themed party you will want to pay particular attention to the menu. As we all know the food you serve to guests is always a vitally important part of any party. Creating a menu for a vintage themed party involves selecting classic and nostalgic dishes that evoke the charm of a bygone era. Here’s a list of vintage-themed party food ideas:
- Deviled Eggs:
- Serve deviled eggs as a classic appetizer with various fillings like traditional, bacon, or curry.
- Shrimp Cocktail:
- Offer shrimp cocktail with a tangy cocktail sauce for a timeless and elegant seafood option.
- Finger Sandwiches:
- Prepare a variety of finger sandwiches with classic fillings such as cucumber and cream cheese, egg salad, or smoked salmon.
- Cheese and Fruit Platter:
- Create a cheese and fruit platter with a selection of cheeses, grapes, and crackers for a sophisticated touch.
- Chicken Pot Pie Bites:
- Serve mini chicken pot pies or bite-sized versions for a comforting and retro dish.
- Beef Wellington Bites:
- Prepare mini beef Wellington bites with tender beef, mushroom duxelles, and puff pastry.
- Stuffed Mushrooms:
- Make stuffed mushrooms with a savory filling of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese.
- Cucumber Cups with Dill Cream Cheese:
- Hollow out cucumber slices to create cups filled with dill-infused cream cheese for a refreshing appetizer.
- Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Bites:
- Serve tomato soup in small cups with grilled cheese bites for a classic and heartwarming combination.
- Pigs in a Blanket:
- Prepare mini sausages wrapped in puff pastry or crescent roll dough for a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing snack.
- Jell-O Salad:
- Create a colorful and retro Jell-O salad with fruit, marshmallows, and a creamy topping.
- Quiche Lorraine:
- Bake mini quiches with a classic Quiche Lorraine filling of bacon, cheese, and eggs.
- Stuffed Celery with Cream Cheese and Olives:
- Fill celery sticks with cream cheese and top with sliced olives for a simple yet flavorful appetizer.
- Assorted Pickles and Olives:
- Offer a selection of pickles and olives in vintage-style jars as a tangy and savory accompaniment.
- Classic Meatballs:
- Prepare meatballs with a retro twist, such as Swedish meatballs or sweet and sour meatballs.
- Cheese Fondue:
- Serve a classic cheese fondue with bread cubes, vegetables, and cured meats for dipping.
- Ambrosia Salad:
- Create a tropical-inspired Ambrosia salad with coconut, marshmallows, and assorted fruits.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Bites:
- Make mini versions of the classic pineapple upside-down cake for a sweet and nostalgic treat.
- Chocolate Fondue with Dipping Items:
- Set up a chocolate fondue station with items like strawberries, marshmallows, and pretzels for dipping.
- Classic Vanilla Cupcakes:
- Bake vanilla cupcakes and decorate them with vintage-inspired frosting designs or simple sprinkles.
- Cocktail Meatballs:
- Prepare cocktail meatballs with a tangy sauce for a popular and timeless party appetizer.
- Ham and Cheese Pinwheels:
- Roll ham and cheese into pinwheels for a delightful and easy-to-eat party snack.
- Pimento Cheese Spread:
- Serve pimento cheese spread with crackers or as a dip for a Southern-inspired appetizer.
- Cherry Cheesecake Bars:
- Make cherry cheesecake bars for a sweet and decadent dessert option.
- Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Bake batches of classic chocolate chip cookies for a beloved and nostalgic treat.
When planning a vintage-themed party menu, consider the era you want to evoke and select dishes that were popular during that time. Incorporate classic presentation styles and serving dishes to enhance the overall vintage atmosphere.
Check out this range of vintage themed party tableware by clicking here.
Vintage Themed Party Games
As with any party games and entertainment are essential. When you throw a themed party you will find this is no exception. Here are some ideas for games you could provide for your guests at this style of party.
- Vintage Trivia:
- Create a trivia game with questions related to historical events, classic movies, or iconic figures from a specific era (e.g., 1920s, 1950s).
- Sock Hop Dance-Off:
- Set up a dance floor with retro music from the chosen era.
- Organize a dance competition with classic dance styles from the time, such as the jitterbug or twist.
- Retro Bingo:
- Customize bingo cards with terms, events, or items associated with the vintage theme.
- Call out clues or historical facts, and guests mark their cards accordingly.
- Vintage Photo Scavenger Hunt:
- Create a list of items or scenes that guests need to find and capture with a vintage camera or smartphone.
- Award prizes for the most creative or authentic photos.
- Pin the Tail on the Flapper:
- Put a vintage spin on the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” game by creating a flapper-themed version.
- Classic Board Games:
- Set up tables with vintage board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Clue for guests to enjoy throughout the party.
- Dress-Up Relay Race:
- Prepare a pile of vintage clothing items (hats, scarves, gloves) for each team.
- Guests race to put on all the items and then pass them on to the next team member.
- Cigarette Holder Ring Toss:
- Create a ring toss game using toy cigarette holders (without actual cigarettes) onto designated posts.
- Vintage Karaoke:
- Set up a karaoke station with songs from the chosen era.
- Encourage guests to dress up in vintage attire and sing their favorite classics.
- Jazz Age Charades:
- Create a charades game with phrases, movies, or famous personalities from the Roaring Twenties.
- Old-Fashioned Photo Booth:
- Set up a photo booth with vintage props, such as hats, feather boas, and retro glasses.
- Provide instant prints for guests as keepsakes.
- DIY Craft Station:
- Have a crafting station where guests can create vintage-inspired crafts like paper fans, silk flowers, or fabric brooches.
- Vintage Card Games:
- Set up card tables for classic card games like poker, bridge, or gin rummy.
- Classic Movie Screening:
- Arrange a screening area for classic films from the chosen era.
- Guests can enjoy popcorn and snacks while watching iconic movies.
Vintage Themed Party Music
When you throw a vintage themed party you will want to consider your music playlist. You will first want to consider the decade your party is based on. Here are some ideas for songs you could include sorted into specific decades.
- 1920s – The Roaring Twenties:
- “Charleston” by Paul Whiteman
- “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” by Louis Armstrong
- “Ain’t Misbehavin'” by Fats Waller
- 1930s – The Golden Age of Hollywood:
- “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller
- “Cheek to Cheek” by Fred Astaire
- “Summertime” by Billie Holiday
- 1940s – WWII Era:
- “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by The Andrews Sisters
- “Sentimental Journey” by Doris Day
- “Chattanooga Choo Choo” by Glenn Miller
- 1950s – The Rock ‘n’ Roll Era:
- “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry
- “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley
- “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets
- 1960s – The Swinging Sixties:
- “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles
- “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
- “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
- 1970s – Disco Fever:
- “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees
- “Le Freak” by Chic
- “Super Freak” by Rick James
- 1980s – Neon and New Wave:
- “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
- “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
- “Take On Me” by A-ha
- Swing and Big Band:
- “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman
- “Moonlight Serenade” by Glenn Miller
- “Zoot Suit Riot” by Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
- Motown Classics:
- “My Girl” by The Temptations
- “Dancing in the Street” by Martha and the Vandellas
- “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
- Retro Pop and Rock:
- “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
- “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations
- “What’s Love Got to Do with It” by Tina Turner
- Jazz Standards:
- “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra
- “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington
- “Autumn Leaves” by Nat King Cole
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Vintage Themed Party Favors
When you throw a vintage themed party do not forget to say a big thank you to all your guests. Here are some ideas for vintage themed party favors.
Personalized Mini Journals: Provide small, vintage-inspired notebooks or journals with a personalized thank-you note attached.
Classic Candy Bags: Fill retro-style candy bags with vintage candies like candy cigarettes, root beer barrels, or old-fashioned taffy.
Tea Cup and Saucer Sets: Gift guests with vintage-style tea cup and saucer sets, perhaps even with a tea bag or a small package of loose tea.
Handkerchiefs: Elegant handkerchiefs with lace or embroidered edges can make lovely and functional vintage-themed favors.
Vinyl Record Coasters: Create or purchase coasters made from small vinyl records for a touch of retro flair.
Vintage Key Bottle Openers: Provide guests with key-shaped bottle openers or vintage-inspired corkscrews.
Mini Potted Plants: Offer small potted plants or succulents with vintage-style labels or pots as a green and eco-friendly favor.
Compact Mirrors: Vintage-style compact mirrors with intricate designs can be both practical and nostalgic.
Bookmarks: Create bookmarks with vintage illustrations or quotes from classic literature.
Antique Style Magnifying Glasses: Mini magnifying glasses with antique-style handles make for unique and practical party favors.
Vintage Perfume Samples: Small vials of classic or vintage-inspired perfumes or essential oils.
Scented Sachets: Provide guests with scented sachets in vintage-inspired fabrics or patterns.
Pocket Watches: Miniature or decorative pocket watches can be elegant and fitting for a vintage theme.
Themed Cookie Tins: Fill vintage-style tins with homemade or store-bought cookies. Decorate the tin with retro patterns.
Vintage Postcards: Give guests vintage postcards featuring images or scenes from the era. Include a thank-you message on the back.
Lip Balm or Hand Cream in Retro Packaging: Choose lip balm or hand cream with packaging reminiscent of a bygone era.
Mason Jar Sippers: Provide guests with mason jar sippers or cups with vintage-style straws.
Silk Scarves: Delicate silk scarves with vintage patterns or colors can make elegant and appreciated favors.
What to Wear to a Vintage Themed Party
- 1920s – The Roaring Twenties:
- For women: Flapper dresses with fringe, dropped-waist silhouettes, cloche hats, T-strap heels, and long strands of pearls.
- For men: Three-piece suits, newsboy caps, two-tone shoes, and a pocket watch.
- 1930s – The Golden Age of Hollywood:
- For women: Bias-cut gowns, elegant gloves, and feathered headpieces.
- For men: Double-breasted suits, fedora hats, and wide ties.
- 1940s – WWII Era:
- For women: Tea-length dresses, A-line skirts, victory rolls in the hair, and peep-toe shoes.
- For men: High-waisted trousers, suspenders, fedora hats, and wingtip shoes.
- 1950s – The Rock ‘n’ Roll Era:
- For women: Full-skirted dresses, petticoats, polka dots, cat-eye glasses, and saddle shoes.
- For men: Rolled-up jeans, white T-shirts, leather jackets, and slicked-back hair.
- 1960s – The Swinging Sixties:
- For women: Shift dresses, go-go boots, geometric prints, and bold eyeliner.
- For men: Slim-cut suits, turtleneck sweaters, Chelsea boots, and mod-inspired accessories.
- 1970s – Disco Fever:
- For women: Jumpsuits, maxi dresses, platform shoes, and big hoop earrings.
- For men: Wide-collared shirts, bell-bottom pants, leisure suits, and aviator sunglasses.
- 1980s – Neon and New Wave:
- For women: Shoulder pads, off-the-shoulder tops, leggings, and scrunchies.
- For men: Members-only jackets, acid-washed jeans, high-top sneakers, and statement accessories.
- Steampunk – Victorian Sci-Fi Fusion:
- Incorporate Victorian-style clothing with a futuristic twist, including corsets, top hats, goggles, and accessories with gears.
Take a look at more party ideas and article here.
